Two of Auckland’s biggest festivals will add to an exciting summer of events on the city’s waterfront at Ports of
Auckland.
For this first time, Captain Cook and Marsden Wharves will host the Auckland Lantern Festival, one of the largest
cultural festivals in New Zealand in February. A month earlier, Captain Cook Wharf will host the Tāmaki Herenga Waka
Festival, a 12-hour extravaganza delivered in partnership with Mana Whenua.
Both events are delivered by Auckland Unlimited, the region’s cultural and economic agency, on behalf of Auckland
Council.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff is looking forward to both festivals and says the waterfront will be a fantastic venue.
“Auckland Lantern Festival and Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival are much loved by Aucklanders and draw crowds of thousands
every year,” he says.
“Auckland’s beautiful waterfront is a great venue for both events. It’s right in the heart of our city with fantastic
views of the Waitematā Harbour and Rangitoto Island—which will make the fireworks displays a real spectacle—and it’s
close to public transport links and the many restaurants, bars and eateries that Auckland is known for.
“I hope Aucklanders get out and out about this summer and enjoy the festivals and everything our vibrant waterfront has
to offer.”
Steve Armitage, General Manager Destination Auckland Unlimited, says cultural festivals add to the vibrancy of the
events that will light up the waterfront this summer.
“We appreciate the Ports of Auckland agreeing to host these festivals on the wharves. Against this unique urban
backdrop, these two colourful festivals will bring the waterfront to life next year. It’s a natural fit and will give
festival-goers the chance to soak up the action in the city this summer,” Armitage says.
Tony Gibson, Ports of Auckland CEO says: “Ports of Auckland is delighted to host these festivals and welcome the Lantern
Festival onto the port for the first time.”
“These festivals celebrate our diversity and are popular and much-anticipated fixtures on Auckland’s events calendar.
We’re excited to be part of bringing them to the waterfront.”
Viv Beck, Chief Executive, Heart of the City says: “We’re thrilled to welcome the Lantern Festival back to the heart of
our city next year. This is a significant and much-loved event that will bring thousands of people flocking to the
downtown area and the timing is perfect.
“We’re expecting the city to be buzzing with the America’s Cup, and with beautiful new waterfront spaces in the area,
adding more events like this will generate even more vibrancy and excitement. We can’t wait!”About the Festivals23 January 2021 | Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival
Now in its fifth year, the Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival is an annual celebration of the rich Māori history and culture
of Tāmaki Makaurau through music, arts, craft and storytelling. The free event will see a 12-hour extravaganza from 10am
until 10pm at Captain Cook Wharf.
Highlights for 2021 include Waka Hourua sailings on Waitemata Harbour, Māori marketplace, stage performances by Trinity
Roots and Maisey Rika, Rongoā Māori, a 50m live graf art installation, kapa haka performances and a laser and fireworks
display.
The Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival is delivered in partnership with ngā mana whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau - the 19 iwi of
Auckland.24 February – 28 February 2021 | Auckland Lantern Festival
Celebrating Chinese culture and Auckland’s Chinese communities, the Lantern Festival will be the headline event for
Chinese New Year celebrations in February.
The festival sees the public enjoy hundreds of elaborate handmade Chinese lanterns on display, cultural song, music, and
dance performances, craft demonstrations, sponsor activations and competitions, retail and food stalls, and a fireworks
display.
The event will remain a free, family-friendly event, and two public sessions each day - lunch and dinner – will be
introduced.
The festival has previously held at Auckland Domain for the past five years, and Albert Park prior to that. The move
follows the natural conclusion of the five-year resource consent for the Auckland Domain and a review of a number of
alternative venues, with the move to Ports of Auckland considered the best outcome for the festival delivery in 2021.
Auckland Lantern Festival is delivered by Auckland Unlimited (formerly Auckland Tourism Events and Economic
Development*), on behalf of Auckland Council and in conjunction with the Asia New Zealand Foundation.2020/2021 Summer on the waterfront:The PRADA America’s Cup World Series Auckland and PRADA Christmas Race: 17 December – 20 December, Waitematā HarbourThe PRADA Cup Challenger Selection Series: 15 January- 22 February, Waitematā HarbourTāmaki Herenga Waka Festival: Saturday 23 January, Captain Cook WharfPorts of Auckland SeePort Concert & Fireworks: Sunday 31 January, Captain Cook WharfAuckland International Buskers Festival: 29 January - 1 February, WaterfrontAuckland Lantern Festival: Thursday 25 February – Sunday 28 February, Captain Cook and Marsden WharvesAuckland Art Fair, 24 February – 28 February, The CloudThe 36th America’s Cup Match presented by PRADA, 6 March - 21 March, Waitematā HarbourAbout Auckland Unlimited
Auckland Unlimited was formed following the merger of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development and Regional
Facilities Auckland, and took effect as a new organisation on 1 December 2020.